How to Choose a Raised Toilet Seat

Raised or elevated toilet seats are medical devices specifically designed to allow the person with limited mobility to safely and confidently use the restroom without assistance or pain. More than 25 million Americans suffer with arthritis, limited mobility and chronic joint pain and they struggle continually with the daily activities that many of us take for granted.

Even the simplest of activities such as using the bathroom becomes a challenging ordeal that may require assistance. This can be embarrassing for both the person suffering and for the person providing the assistance, and with the right raised toilet seat or toilet elevator, can be avoided entirely. There are hundreds of designs, various methods of attachment and multiple elevations available so it is important to understand the important points that will help you choose the best raised toilet seat for your needs and allow the user to maintain their safety and independence. By addressing these points first, narrowing down the perfect raised toilet seat is as easy as 1-2-3!

Height: Higher elevated toilet seats decrease the distance between the user and the toilet and apply less strain on the hips and knees when sitting and standing. Due to the many different makes and models of toilets, the amount of elevation needed for your toilet seat riser must be considered. Most all elevated toilet seats and toilet seat risers will range in height from 2 inches to 6 inches. Lower or higher elevations allow the user to cater to their specific injury or disability and to their specific toilet.

Stability: The security and stability of a toilet seat riser can vary greatly as they can be styled and secured in a number of different ways. Some toilet seat elevators are very thick and stable, with arms and locking clamps designed for users with balance issues and security concerns. Others are simple padded risers, secured with Velcro straps or non-skid pads. The balance and stability of the user will determine the needed stability of the seat elevator.

Weight: Most every raised toilet seat and toilet elevator is rated for a standard weight capacity of at least 250 lbs. The specific weight of the user will determine the best toilet elevator option; the heavier the user is, the higher the weight capacity will need to be for your chosen device. Heavy-duty or bariatric toilet elevators and seat risers may need to be considered for the overweight user.

Raised Toilet Seats Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How high does my toilet seat elevator need to be?

There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing a toilet seat riser. If recovering from injury or surgery, doctors may suggest a taller toilet seat elevator to minimize the stress and strain to the lower body. Options like the Carex Raised Toilet Seat provide an exceptional 5.5" elevation and are ideal for injury recovery and temporary rehabilitation needs.

For general elevation needs and extended usage, the Easy Toilet Riser Deluxe Toilet Elevator is a 4" riser that permanently installs underneath the toilet itself, providing the user with the elevation they need while retaining the comfort and familiarity of their current toilet. It is highly recommended that you consider the best height for your needs before making an elevated toilet seat purchase.

How do I determine the best style of toilet seat riser?

Many raised toilet seats are locked to the toilet bowl with clamps and brackets, while some rest on top of the toilet bowl and are held in place by the user"s weight and with non-skid pads. Some other toilet seat elevators, like the Padded Toilet Seat Riser, are filled with foam padding to help relieve pain from pressure sores and hemorrhoids and are attached to the toilet lid with Velcro straps so they can be easily removed for cleaning. Toilet seat elevators like the Hinged Elevated Toilet Seat bolt securely to the toilet underneath the toilet lid, providing solid and secure elevation. When purchasing a toilet seat elevator, determining the method used to secure the device is another important point to consider.

How do I select the right toilet seat elevator for my weight?

Standard toilet seat elevators will all be rated to hold 250 lbs or more. If the primary user is over that weight, a heavy-duty or bariatric toilet seat elevator will be required. Elevated toilet seats with a bariatric weight rating can hold over 500 lbs, a popular example of such a device is the Big John Toilet Seat, with a capacity of more than 1,200 lbs! Devices like these are designed to be wider and more accommodating than standard toilet risers and are becoming more and more popular as the US population is becoming increasingly overweight. There are toilet elevator options available for bariatric users as well, such as the Toilevator Toilet Riser, designed to hold over 500 lbs without having to remove or replace your current toilet seat.

Whether you are recovering from a minor injury or looking for a long-term solution for arthritis pain relief, by thoughtfully considering your weight, height, and the extent of your disability, choosing the perfect toilet seat riser will be an easy decision. Be it a 2" padded seat cushion or 6" heavy duty toilet seat riser, by keeping these points and questions in mind when purchasing, you will be able to determine the best toilet seat riser for your needs now and for years to come. Buy your toilet seat elevator from ActiveForever today and be on your way to experiencing the pain relief and satisfaction from regaining your mobility and independence.